As a precursor you should know that I always enjoy watching the X-Games event or shows like Nitro Circus on MTV, there is something about lots of mud and gasoline powered vehicle that makes me feel like a man. Even though the holiday rush of triple-A video games is over doesn’t mean there is nothing of quality releasing in December, one of those well-made titles is the newest off-road racing game from mega-publisher THQ. MX vs. ATV Reflex is a complete revamp to the series and attempts to blend racing with freestyle action. The first game in the MX franchise to grace next-gen consoles had a couple major issues, keeping it from becoming something I could recommend to anyone not a hardcore off-roading fan. Thankfully this time around the developers took a couple years and put some deep work into making sure that the result was different. The end product is something that represents the MX/ATV sport very well and features a ton of different gameplay modes resulting in hours of single or multiplayer fun. After spending more than ten hours with Reflex it became obvious that I was having a great time with all aspects of the title; 2009 isn’t over just yet gamers.
One of the first (and most noticeable) changes in MX vs. ATV Reflex is in the game's title, reflex is not just a fancy word to put on the outside of the box – this time it refers to the core gameplay mechanic. The developers are giving full control of not just the vehicle but the rider, allowing for very detailed control and an unlimited number of exciting race moments. This time around if you take off from a massive jump and happen to get bumped in the air (or land on the ground off-balance) the game offers you a chance to take control of the rider and save the landing (by pressing the right analog stick one of four different ways). The “rider reflex” also comes into play during all aspects of a race or freestyle (trick) event, helping to steer the MX or ATV vehicle around sharp turns, in the air, or over some grueling bumps. This comes into play more than one would think because of the insane amount of terrain deformation that is evident in MX vs. ATV Reflex; setting up more than a couple intense moments. The game also features top-notch presentation, included many real-life aspects that fans of the supercross world will notice instantly (hot girls holding 30-second signs is never a bad thing).
Other than the rider’s reflex (controlled with the right analog stick) the game’s other controls are fairly basic and gamers who have played this type of Xbox 360 title before will feel right at home, no matter which vehicle type they choose. My personal favorite was the MX, but the ATV, buggy, and off-road trucks are also enjoyable; Reflex sets up different events to use specific vehicles (some featuring multiple types) to keep the player from feeling constrained or getting to used to one specific type. It’s funny because until you get the hang of the reflex controls you will find yourself crashing way too much, only to realize that if mastered the reflex can change everything, including the race’s outcome. The single-player career mode features different levels of difficulty, each including a number of different race types. These include events such as supercross, motocross, freestyle, checkpoint, elimination, and many more. Reflex features more then enough action of all different variations to make sure no one comes away disappointed.
